Photochemically initiated reactions of bistrifluoromethyl disulphide with olefins

Abstract

Bistrifluoromethyl disulphide reacts in a Pyrex vessel with olefins to give adducts which are best described as formed by attack of CF₃S˙ radicals on the olefin. Ethylene gives CF₃·S·CH₂·CH₂·S·CF₃; propene CF₃·S·CH(CH₃)·CH₂S·CF₃; tetrafluoroethylene CF₃·S(CF₂·CF₂)₂·S·CF₃ and CF₃·S(CF₂·CF₂)_n·S·CF₃(n large); hexafluoropropene CF₃·S[CF(CF₃)·CF₂]_n·S·CF₃(n= 1, 2); 1,1-difluoroethylene CF₃·S(CF₂·CH₂)_n·S·CF₃(n= 1–6); trifluoroethylene CF₃·S(CF₂·CFH)_n·S·CF₃(n= 1–7); chlorotrifluoroethylene CF₃·S(CF₂·CFCl)_n·S·CF₃(n= 1–4) and also [graphic omitted] and CF₃·S·CF₂·CFCl·CF₃. In most cases the isomers present have been identified.